EastEnders bad boy Derek Branning is in for a shock as his long-lost daughter Alice will soon be arriving in Walford.

Jasmyn Banks has been cast in the role of Alice, who turns up on Albert Square desperately searching for answers from the father she has never met.

Alice has been brought up by her overprotective mum and older brother Joey, who has always spoken ill of their estranged father.

When she heads to Walford, Alice wants to find out the truth about her dad for herself. Ever the optimist, nice girl Alice is eager and excited to meet Derek (Jamie Foreman) - but whether she'll be pleased by what she finds remains to be seen.

As Alice has led a sheltered life, viewers will also be left to wonder how she'll fit in with the rest of the Brannings and the drama which surrounds the family.

Banks commented: "I've been a fan of EastEnders forever and am thrilled to be cast as a Branning. It's such a privilege to be working alongside Jamie and I can't wait to find out what's in store for Alice."

EastEnders' executive producer Lorraine Newman added: "Jasmyn's a great actress and we are delighted to have her join the cast as Alice Branning.

"Alice will help us glimpse a softer side to Derek and, being part of the Branning clan, there's a huge amount of history for the pair to draw upon which gives us great potential for the future."